Creative Media Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Division of Access and Engagement seeks a creative professional with specialized expertise to serve as Multi-Media Designer. This position requires the exercise of independent professional judgment, artistic creativity, and discretion in developing comprehensive visual communication strategies that advance divisional goals.
The Multi-Media Designer applies advanced specialized knowledge in graphic design, web development, photography, and videography to independently interpret stakeholder needs, determine creative solutions, and execute projects with minimal supervision. This role demands original creative work requiring invention, imagination, and talent in recognized artistic fields, along with the ability to manage complex, concurrent projects while navigating competing priorities, technical constraints, and diverse stakeholder expectations.
The position requires consultation with division leadership and high-level campus partners to translate strategic objectives into effective visual communication.
Manages multiple concurrent design projects with competing deadlines, independently establishing priorities, timelines, and production workflows while balancing quality standards, stakeholder expectations, and resource constraints.
Provides creative direction and work oversight to student employees and freelance designers, assigning projects, reviewing work for professional standards, and delivering constructive feedback.
Responsibilities
Strategic Design and Brand Management

• Exercises independent professional and artistic judgment in interpreting divisional communication needs and developing original visual strategies that effectively reach and engage target audiences.
• Applies specialized creative expertise to design compelling materials including brochures, flyers, newsletters, social media graphics, and advertisements, making discretionary decisions about visual approach, composition, typography, color theory, and information hierarchy based on communication objectives and audience analysis.
• Develops, interprets, and maintains brand standards, exercising professional discretion in applying guidelines to new contexts, resolving brand application challenges, and ensuring visual consistency across all divisional communications.
• Collaborate with division leadership, faculty, staff, and high-level campus partners to assess communication needs, recommend strategic visual approaches, and independently develop creative solutions for events, campaigns, and initiatives.
• Manages multiple concurrent design projects with competing deadlines, independently establishing priorities, timelines, and production workflows while balancing quality standards, stakeholder expectations, and resource constraints.
• Provides creative direction and work oversight to student employees and freelance designers, assigning projects, reviewing work for professional standards, and delivering constructive feedback.

Web Development, User Experience, and Digital Accessibility

• Exercises professional judgment in managing the division's web presence, independently determining content strategy, information architecture, user experience improvements, and visual presentation that balances brand standards, accessibility compliance, and audience needs.
• Applies specialized technical and creative expertise to implement SEO best practices, analyze website analytics, and make data-informed decisions about site improvements, content placement, and navigation structure.
• Independently evaluates and resolves complex technical challenges, collaborating with central web developers to troubleshoot issues, recommend solutions, and implement enhancements to website functionality and user experience.
• Ensures compliance with federal ADA digital accessibility requirements, exercising professional judgment in interpreting technical standards (WCAG), implementing accessibility best practices, and making discretionary decisions about accommodations that balance legal requirements with design aesthetics and functionality.
• Manages intranet development and content strategy, independently organizing complex information for optimal employee access and usability.
• Stays current with emerging web technologies and digital trends, evaluating new tools and approaches, and making strategic recommendations for enhancing divisional digital presence.

Video Production and Professional Photography

• Exercises creative professional judgment in planning and executing video projects, independently determining storytelling approaches, visual style, technical specifications, shot composition, and production methods to effectively communicate intended messages for diverse purposes, including promotional content, instructional materials, and event coverage.
• Develops original creative concepts, writing storyboards and scripts that translate communication objectives into compelling visual narratives, making independent decisions about pacing, tone, visual metaphors, and narrative structure.
• Manages complete video production lifecycle with minimal oversight, establishing production schedules, coordinating stakeholders, directing shoots, and making real-time creative and technical decisions to ensure timely delivery of professional-quality content.
• Apply professional photographic expertise to capture images for marketing materials, social media, and divisional websites, exercising artistic judgment in composition, lighting, moment selection, and post-production editing to create compelling visual content.
• Edits and retouches photographs and video, making discretionary creative and technical decisions to enhance quality, visual appeal, and alignment with brand standards and communication objectives.
• Establishes and maintains organized media asset management systems, exercising judgment in developing efficient archival structures for future content reuse and retrieval.

Strategic Collaboration and Continuous Professional Development

• Collaborates with divisional team members and campus communication professionals, contributing specialized design and multimedia expertise to strategic planning discussions, content strategy development, and integrated campaign execution.
• Coordinates with marketing and communications teams across campus, serving as a creative consultant to align visual communication strategies, share professional insights, and contribute to university-wide communication initiatives.
• Serves as additional writer when needed, applying strong written communication skills to support content development across the division.
• Maintains expertise in rapidly evolving design, digital media, and web technologies, independently identifying and pursuing professional development opportunities in emerging trends, software capabilities, and industry best practices to continuously enhance the quality and effectiveness of divisional communications.
• Interprets and applies professional standards and best practices from recognized fields including graphic design, user experience design, digital accessibility, videography, and photography to ensure divisional communications meet or exceed industry benchmarks.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Proven experience in digital and print design, with proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Experience with website content management systems (CMS), such as Word Press
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  
  • Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services
    
    • Knowledge of web design and development standards
    • Knowledge of photography techniques, including composition, lighting, and editing
    • Knowledge of videography techniques, including filming, editing, and storytelling
    • Skill in using graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite)
    • Skill in web development (WordPress)
    • Skill in video production and editing software
    • Ability to create visually appealing and user-friendly designs
    • Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
    • Ability to work collaboratively with various university departments
    • Knowledge of current trends in design, web, photography, and videography
    • Ability to produce engaging video content from concept to finished edit
    • Knowledge of accessibility standards for digital content
    • Skill in SEO principles and best practices
    • Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines
    • Knowledge of current trends in design, web, photography, and videography
    • Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously
    • Knowledge of copyright laws and ethical considerations in visual media
    • Skill in communicating ideas through visual storytelling
    • Ability to adapt writing style to different platforms (e.g., web, print, social media)
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
    • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
    • Attention to detail.
    • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and provide actionable insights.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.
Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education.
• Proficiency in data visualization.

Work Location

• University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Andy Holt Tower, 1331 Circle Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996
• This position will be located on-site.

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range:
• Anticipated hiring range: $56,000
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions
Based in Knoxville, the position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefit package. To ensure full consideration, please submit your application through the official HR portal. Please include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three (3) professional references with your application.
The College/Department/Division
The Division of Access and Engagement impacts the University of Tennessee, Knoxville's strategic vision through access, belonging, a culture of respect, and community. We support academic access, foster community partnerships, and promote merit-based student success. In addition to our alignment with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville's mission, we are aligned with the UT System's aspirational statement.
"We are dedicated to expanding access to educational opportunities, striving to remove barriers, and making academic pursuits more affordable. Consistent with the University's commitment to high academic standards, student achievement, and the preparation of responsible citizens, we believe that engaging with individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives fosters a vibrant learning environment that enhances critical thinking and intellectual growth. Our collective strengths make us stronger, and we are committed to promoting an atmosphere where all members of the University community feel welcome, can thrive, and achieve success."
Additional Information on all postings provided by UTK
About Us
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!